Councils across the country have a statutory duty for the health and safety of its visitors, including their own staff and other contractors, while in their grounds.

SAFETY inspections are being made of all memorials at Ipswich Cemetery to ensure the stability of headstones and large monuments.

Councils across the country have a statutory duty for the health and safety of its visitors, including their own staff and other contractors, while in their grounds.

Trained cemetery staff, independent architectural advisers and Ipswich Borough Council's insurers are working together to make sure the memorials in the town are safe.

Some large monuments that have failed the test are already cordoned off and remedial works are in hand.

Tests are currently being carried out in the Old and Lawn Cemeteries, following the placement of notices, All headstones considered by the testers to be unsafe, are being recorded and the owners notified by letter.

Until the fault has been rectified a sign is being attached to the headstone to minimise any risk of injury.

An IBC spokesman said: "Owners receiving notification are being advised to contact a stonemason who will be able to offer assistance in making it safe again.

"Owners who have had a change of details i.e. address etc since originally purchasing the headstone are requested to advise the cemeteries office as soon as possible.

"These inspections will be an ongoing process from now on and although we are aware of the sensitive nature of these inspections and also of the possible worry caused, 'safety first' has to be our priority."

The spokesman added council staff are always on hand to offer expert advice if needed.